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Sterling Tools LtdQ4 FY25

Sterling Tools Ltd Q4 FY25 Earnings Call Analysis

Revenue, margin, capex, fundraise and order book outlook from management commentary.

Price: 275P/E: 29.0Market Cap: ₹951 CrSector: Auto Components

Management growth scorecard

Revenue

Category 2

Margin

Category 3

Fundraise

N/A

Order

Yes

Capex

Yes

2 of 4 growth signals are positive.

Full analysis

Revenue guidance

Category 2
  • Industry EV growth expected at about 40% over the next 5 years, possibly 20-30%, but Sterling Tools expects high double-digit growth.
  • EV subsidy likely to end in March 2024; however, two-wheeler EV segment expected to continue growth due to new economical models and customer willingness.
  • MCU business projected to grow in line with healthy double-digit industry growth.
  • Fastener business growth will be moderate compared to EV; expected revenue growth driven by OEM production increases.
  • Passenger vehicle segment growing slowly; growth potential in adding new customers like Hyundai and Tata.
  • LCV and HCV EV segments expected to see positive traction once vehicle homologations complete.
  • Q4 FY24 expected as a strong quarter with substantial revenue growth.
  • Long-term margins in MCU business aimed at low double digits through volume leverage and margin improvements.

Margin guidance

Category 3
  • The EV industry is expected to grow at about 40% annually over the next 5 years, although actual growth may vary between 20-30%, still in high double digits.
  • Sterling Tools’ EV business under SGEM contributed 33% of overall revenues (up from 21% in FY23) and is expected to grow strongly going forward.
  • MCU business aims for low double-digit operating margins in the medium term, with revenue growth aligned with healthy double-digit industry growth.
  • Standalone business margins are expected to hover around current levels (~14-15%) with prospects of improvement to 16-17% driven by cost optimization and stronger revenue growth.
  • New product launches and localization, especially in MCU for LCV segment, will drive future revenue and profit growth.
  • The company aims to diversify customer portfolio to include new clients like Hyundai, targeting incremental growth beyond existing customers.
  • Overall, growth will be driven by EV segment expansion and selective growth in traditional fastener business.

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Fundraise plans

The transcript does not mention any current or future plans for fundraising through debt or equity. Key points: - No discussion of new debt or equity fundraising was made during the call. - The focus was on operational performance, growth in the EV business, and product localization. - The company highlighted investments already made, like the Bangalore facility (Rs. 180-200 crore capex), but no mention of active or planned fundraising. - Management did not provide guidance or commentary on capital raising initiatives in the Q&A or closing remarks. In summary, there is no indication from the transcript that Sterling Tools Limited is currently raising or planning to raise funds through debt or equity.

Order book

Yes
  • Sterling Tools currently has confirmed orders from 20 customers in the EV space.
  • They received a small contract manufacturing order valued at Rs. 1.5 to Rs. 2 crores to be shipped to a European country before Q1 FY25.
  • In the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment, Sterling has contracts with most LCV manufacturers in India, but revenue impact is delayed due to homologation delays.
  • Market share in LCV is expected to be in high double digits once volumes ramp up.
  • Opportunities with Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Toyota under the government's BIS and Quality Control Order (QCO) program are expected to materialize over the next 3 years.
  • The company is exploring new products in charging and DC-DC spaces but exact orders and timelines are not finalized.
  • The overall EV industry is expected to grow around 40% over the next 5 years, and Sterling expects high double-digit growth in alignment.

Capex plans

Yes
  • Sterling Tools has made a significant capital investment of about Rs. 180-200 crores in its Bangalore facility, which is currently undergoing optimization expected to take around 5 years to fully rationalize costs and align with revenues.
  • The company is actively making investments related to motor control units (MCU) and EV components, including setting up assembly and testing lines in India to localize production.
  • SGEM, a Sterling entity, has begun exports, reflecting strategic efforts in product quality and market expansion.
  • The business is focusing capex and resources on EV-related product lines such as chargers, DC-DC converters, motor control units, and other power electronics, potentially expanding its EV wallet share.
  • Sterling has discontinued investments in non-core areas like the supply chain management JV (Sterling Fabory), which was liquidated due to low scalability.
  • Future strategic investments will depend on partnerships and finalized business plans within the EV ecosystem.

How does Sterling Tools Ltd rank vs peers in Auto Components?

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1Sterling Tools Ltd
Rev 2Mar 3

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